MEET THE KIDS OF NATURE TEAM

Kids of Nature comprises of a dynamic group of experts who have committed to make a meaningful difference by contributing to a healthier South Africa.

Dr Paul Godard (Belgian)

Chairperson & Nature Photographer

Meet The Kids Of Nature Team - Kids Of Nature - re-connect children with nature - Paul climbing near waterfall - Bushman's Kloof, Clanwilliam [© 2008 PaulGodard.com]

PhD in science (biology) & MBA. Worked as a consultant for EU, USAID, IFS, ICRAF, CTA and has exhibited his photographic work in Brussels, Paris, Washington, Harare and Cape Town.

Petra Vandecasteele (Belgian)

Managing Director, Concept Developer & Editor

Meet The Kids Of Nature Team - Kids Of Nature - re-connect children with nature - something... - Andriesvale, Askham [© 2009 PaulGodard.com]

20 years of project management in Europe and South Africa. Award-winning inspirational writer and regular contributor to leading South African magazines; author of 'In Celebration of Fynbos', published by Struik with foreword of Valli Moosa, former president of the IUCN.

Leila Falletisch (South African)

Research & Parenting

Leila is a play therapist & social worker. Since she qualified as a play therapist in 1994, her whole focus changed towards children and families. In 2000, she left a successful private practice to manage the Meerlust Foundation for farm children.

End 2008 she decided to dedicate more time to her private practice and is strongly committed to the promotion of the parent child relationship. Leila and her husband Eric love spending time in nature.

Dr Philippe Thunis (Italian)

Climatologist

Meet The Kids Of Nature Team - Kids Of Nature - re-connect children with nature - Philippe photographing rocks - Riemvasmaak [© 2007 PaulGodard.com]

Philippe lives with his wife and 2 daughters in Italy, on the shores of Lago Maggiore. Philippe works as a researcher for the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (European Commission, Ispra) in the field of air quality in cities and climate change. Together with his wife Lucie, he tries to educate their children with respect for our planet.

Dr Alain Clappier (Swiss)

Environmentalist

Meet The Kids Of Nature Team - Kids Of Nature - re-connect children with nature - Alain & Maxi driving quad bike - Haina Hills Lodge [© 2007 PaulGodard.com]

Alain is living in Switzerland close to the Geneva Lake. He is native from the French Alps where he has learned to appreciate and respect nature. Like many people, he is now living and working in a city, but finds it necessary to regularly go back into nature to replenish his soul. Very often he is sharing this time with his son, Maximilien (1998). Alain is convinced that our children will only be adapted to our future world if they can reconcile the constraints of the modern life with the benefits of nature.

Hannes Myburgh (South African)

Public Relations

Owner of Meerlust Estate, Stellenbosch